In the 22nd century, a scientist attempts to right the wrong his ancestor created: the puzzle box that opens the gates of Hell and unleashes Pinhead and his Cenobite legions.
This time we see the Cenobites in the future and we also head in-to the past for some more back-story. This film tries to move the franchise forward whilst trying to stick to it’s core story.
The film looked set to fail with internal disputes going on behind the scenes, Kevin Yagher disowned the version with cuts made behind his back due to conflicting artistry ideas. Yagher’s version contained much more graphic imagery, plot, and explained everything that happened in the film. The producers disagreed and demanded Pinhead should appear sooner despite every version of the script up until then having him appear around the 40-minute mark. When Yagher was unable to satisfy he disowned it and never finished filming some final scenes. Joe Chappelle was brought on to finish the film, filming new scenes from re-writes including the narrative framing device. Some scenes of the original script were never shot.
Guillermo Del Toro was offered the chance to direct this film, unfortunately he turned it down. I can’t help but imagine the imagery Del Toro could’ve brought us and I’d love to have seen what he would’ve done with Pinhead, unfortunately for us all we’ll never know but we can always imagine. That doesn’t mean that the film is badly done, on the contrary it’s actually a great story.
We get to see the creation of the cube which is a very interesting story, I won’t spoil it for you if you haven’t seen it but I thought it was told very well and gives us a great insight to it’s reason for being made. Also we get a new story of a cursed bloodline (hence the films title) which I found thoroughly entertaining, especially as it intertwines with the box’s creation.
If your a fan of the Cenobites then you might be disappointed with this instalment, it’s Pinhead heavy but we do have an addition of a Cenobite dog (who actually looks like the Chatterer Cenobite has morphed in-to a dog) which looks absolutely amazing. We also have one of my favourite and under-used Cenobite, the Siamese Cenobite who looks even better and manages to get a kill in the film. Like I said though it’s mainly Pinhead that’s used and once again his dialogue is outstanding, I could listen to his voice all day long without getting bored, I just wish they’d involve the group more.
“Hellraiser IV: Bloodline” is a great addition to the franchise, but that’s just my opinion as I know there are a-lot of Horror fans out there who have true hatred for it. If you’re a Pinhead fan then I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Miscellaneous facts about the film:
Though promotional photos of Aristocratic Cenobites wearing white powdered wigs were released in various sci-fi magazines to promote this film, the Cenobites were cut from the finished film, along with Demon Clowns and an entire ballroom fancy dress party as the studio wanted to get to Pinhead’s story sooner.
Stuart Gordon was attached at one point to direct this film, but left before filming began.
Rand Ravich did rewrites on the script.
The last “Hellraiser” movie to get a theatrical release.
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